A cosy stay at Wilderness Reserve

A few weeks ago, Pinterest invited me to a Creator’s Retreat at Wilderness Reserve - a huge *pinch me* me moment eek. I’ve used Pinterest for as long as I can remember for inspiration on all aspects of my life, like interiors, style and photography and I have had Wilderness Reserve on my list for YEARS so this was literally such a dream trip.

Wilderness Reserve is an 8000-acre estate of woodland, lakes and rolling pasture, with a beautiful collection of historic and traditional Suffolk properties. Each property is unique in character and style and ranges in price. You can expect a Grade II listed manor house, restored 15th century barn, thatched cottages and more.

How do you get there?

You can either drive to Wilderness Reserve as it’s about 2 and a half hours from London. Or alternatively, the nearest train station to Wilderness Reserve is Darsham which is a 5 minute drive away. Make sure you arrange a taxi in advance from Darsham! Alternatively, Diss Station and Ipswich Station are a couple of train stations slightly further away.

Chapel Barn

We stayed in the Chapel Barn, a 15th century thatched barn and courtyard, which was such a luxury. It sleeps 38 people so it’s one of their larger properties. We were spoilt with the facilities in this property as it included a games room, gym, sauna, steam room, 2 treatment rooms and indoor swimming pool.

A little bit more about Wilderness…

Wilderness Reserve is comprised of two estates, Sibton Park Estate and Chapel Barn Estate.
They have a large range of properties across, including some that only sleep 2 people to one that sleeps 38! The smaller properties start from £281 per person per night so definitely not cheap! However, if you are able to book with a larger group, the properties become more affordable per person. E.g. one of their properties, the ‘Barn’ on the Sibton Park sleeps 4 people and starts from £147 per person per night.
It’s easily accessible by public transport as you can get the train to Darsham and then a short taxi ride. Just make sure you book the taxi in advance!
Depending on the property you book, you have access to a different facilities while you’re there, such as a pool, bikes to cycle around the grounds and a hot tub. You can also go for walks around the estate as it’s SO peaceful, use the tennis courts or go swimming in the lake.
For an extra treat, there are over 40 activities that you can book in advance to make the most of the open spaces, lakes and woodland. Examples include spa treatments, a bonfire experience and guided nature walks.